The King sat rigid, silent, and unmoving. A scowl graced his face as his attention was solely focused on the petite blind girl in front of him. She was in deep sleep, still recovering from her life threatening injury that Netero had unintentionally inflicted.

The chimera ant had her constantly invading his thoughts during the day and only when he saw her sleeping soundly in her cot was he able to find relief. Meruem felt this invisible pressure weighing heavily in the back of his eyes. It was undefinable, never had he experienced such an thing before. He heard himself asking why he could not leave the sight of her. It angered Meruem - this feeling - and how it so easily took hold of him and controlled him.

Komugi suddenly shifted, burrowing deeper into the warmth of the futon. Meruem abandoned his troubled thoughts immediately, alarmed. Her lidded eyes flickered and slightly parted, displaying a peak of her brilliant blue irises. The king involuntarily jumped up from his spot beside the covers and hovered over the human girl.

"Komugi," he heard himself say, trying to mask his anxiety.

"Mmmm.." She attempted to sit up, but instantly regretted it. "Ah!" Her fingers flew to her hip in pain, but were intersected by a pair of large hands. She squeaked in surprise; what was going on? Why is her side burning?

"Lay down. You are not fully recovered yet," Meruem commanded. Gently placing a hand on the back of her tangled white head, he helped her lay back. The King drew away hesitantly and sat back, regaining his composure.

"Supreme Leader?"

"Yes."

"I ... I was shot?" Her eyebrows furrowed, clearly confused. She reached for her wound out of instinct, but was again intersected by Meruem's hand.

"You mustn't touch," he said strictly.

"H-Hai! S-sorry!"

He released her and frowned deeply. "You were caught in the enemy's crossfire and were gravely wounded. You've been in slumber for a week."

"Ah!" Her mouth popped open in pure shock. "I-I and the enemy's ... Please forgive me!" Above her head she clasped both her hands together, "I have been a terrible burden on the Supreme Leader!"

Meruem observed in silence as the blind woman continued to fret over (what he considered) nothing. He waited for her to calm down, not consciously knowing that he enjoyed her flustered expression.

"I am unworthy to be in your presence, Supreme Leader!"

He tensed, recalling a chat he had with Neferpitou the other day.

"Meruem is what you will call me now; it is my name."

Something stirred deep within his chest as an unexpected smile bloomed on Komugi's pale face. "Meruem?" she whispered. "Meruem, it is very nice to meet you!"

"...I know."